I would tend to think you need to add sulpher to acidify your garden. Hydrangeas, for example, are acid loving plants and those types of plants can have trouble using nutrients in an alkaline soil. You may have magnesium present, but it may be difficult for the plants to absorb it in soil that is too limey . Yellowing can also be iron deficiency due to inability to absorb iron in an overly alkaline soil. Sulpher can be obtained at any garden center at a modest price. Just put it around the plants that seem to be suffering.

Hi Sunnytop!

I don't think that acid is the issue alone. The rest of my plants are yellowing from the bottom up and that has never happened. Even my daylilies do not look well.

How do you add magnesium without having to use a water mix of epsom salt?

Can you put epsom salts directly around the plants? Is there something else I should use?

HELP!

Shawna, there isn't a responsible way to answer your question without you knowing exactly what you are addressing with your soil. Than means soil test - which will reveal the ph as well as what nutrients may/may not need to be added.

Thanks for your responses, however, I'm not searching for a diagnosis - - I am searching for a treatment for magnesium deficiency which might be more permanent than utilizing epsom salts in water.

For example, is there another mineral I can add that works better? Can I sprinkle epsom salt around the base of the plants - is this safe? etc., etc.

Do you have any suggestions for a "cure" for magnesium deficiency?

Thank you, Shawna

I agree with morz, do a soil test to find out for sure what the problem is. If you add magnesium and its not what you need, the situation could get worse.

We have had so much rain in the Chicago area that some things in my garden are yellowing from too much water. Any chance that could be your problem too?

Rachel

From what I hear, this is a public garden planted with donated plants in unamended soil...don't get involved in soil testing and micro examinations of the soil as you might if you were growing a display rose garden.
You sure can broadcast epsom saolt on the top of your soil and water it in...or just wait for rain.
Also remember too much rain on heavy clay means pooling water....and yellowing leaves.
Start now abd beg all the free compost youc an find....grass clippings, leaves, shredded wood, coffee grounds, saw dust ( but not from treated deck lumber) and pile it on between the plants.
You will be surprised at the improvement in a year....and a second year will bring even more improvement.
Good luck! This is a good thing you are doing...but don't drive your self crazy over it. Compost and organic additions will make all soil difficulties better....even shredded paper is good.
Linda C

Linda C -

THIS is the information I really needed. It IS a public garden planted with donated plants in non-amended soil. This is not a fancy rose garden.

We have had one of the rainiest seasons ever. I'm thinking that the intense level of water in the heavy clay soil is encouraging the wash off of critical minerals.

I have a ton of mulch on top, but I love the idea of adding a variety of compost type products over the summer - and into the winter - and seeing what happens.

I will take your epsom salt broadcasting advice for sure!

THANK YOU THANK YOU!